About this project

$14,251

475

The Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy

Final Video Update 10/07/12: Blooper Reel by Allotrope Media

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The final 24 Hours: A Challenge from Editor Michael Knost!

From Michael Knost:

"Now in our final 24 hours, we thought we would do something fun. If we surpass $15,000 before the end of the Kickstarter, we are going to shave (what remaining hair from) my head, including mustache and beard...then we are going to paint my head! We will take a poll from all backers, allowing you to decide what we paint! Thank you, again for making our Kickstarter a success! I know you are going to love the book as much as we do."

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Final Push Goal - October 9, 2012 ** $13,500 **

We have a final push goal for the Kickstarter project. If we raise $13,500 or more, we will add another interview piece to the book—roughly 5,000 more words! The piece would focus on asking several science fiction and fantasy novel editors questions regarding what they are looking for, what they are not looking for, their pet peeves, and what they love to see.

=========PUSH GOAL - Sept 24, 2012 ** $12,500 **

As things stand now, if we reach the $12,500 level on pledges, we will be able to bring in the talents of BOTH of SSP's award-winning artists, Matthew Perry and Bonnie Wasson. Art and literature go together wonderfully, especially in the genres covered in this book and it would be great to have some original artwork created for this project.

Both Bonnie and Matt would create two full page illustrations for the book, for a total of four full-page illustrations (with genre-appropriate themes) being added to all editions of the book (eBook, softcover, and limited edition hardcover).

For more information about these SSP Artists, read UPDATE #6 HERE=========

In seeking publication for his newest workshop project, Bram Stoker award-winning editor Michael Knost sought a small press, for the care and enthusiasm a good one harbors for the genre and its fellow writers. Seventh Star Press is that kind of publisher, bringing its own love for science fiction and fantasy to the project, and its "got your back" attitude for genre writers and other small and independent presses.

Seventh Star Press is very excited about the opportunity to release this project, but as it is one outside of our originally projected 2012 publishing schedule, a little help from outside is needed to bring this project to fruition.

Perhaps the first question that comes to your mind, if encountering us for the first time, is: Who is Seventh Star Press?

Formed in the fall of 2008, Seventh Star Press is a respected speculative fiction publisher based in Lexington, KY, boasting works from such authors as Jackie Gamber, Michael West, D.A. Adams, Steven Shrewsbury, David Blalock, R.J. Sullivan, J.L. Mulvihill, and Stephen Zimmer. The press also features two highly-acclaimed, award-winning artists, Matthew Perry and Bonnie Wasson, whose creative work is featured on the covers and interiors of all SSP releases.

Now that you have a little more of an idea about us, we would like to introduce you to the particulars of this proposed book project.

The Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy is a collection of essays and interviews with some of most influential names in the industry; each article covering a specific element of the craft of writing science fiction and fantasy. The collaborators in this wonderful anthology include:

Neil Gaiman -- “Where Do You Get Your Ideas?”

Orson Scott Card -- “On Rhetoric and Style.”

Lou Anders -- “Nebulous Matters, or Speculations on Subgenre.”

Lucy Snyder -- “Ursula K. LeGuin Talks About A Lifetime in the Craft.”

Levels of Participation

There are seven levels of participation, six of which involve receiving a version of the book, ranging from the eBook to a limited hardcover edition. We invite you to look over the various levels and rewards in this campaign, the core of which serve effectively as a pre-order offer for The Writers' Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy.

What does the money raised in this campaign go towards?

The money raised in this campaign goes towards paying pro-rates for collaborators, as well as cover art fees and other hard costs involved in producing this title. It will be issued in a limited hardcover edition, softcover, and various eBook formats.

How You Can Help Further

We encourage tweeting, posting, sharing, and we happily do interviews too!

You can join with us in bringing writers a wealth of insight and writing advice in a book that is rich in premium content. Take a look at the seven options we have for this campaign and come aboard today!

FAQ

From Michael Knost, the editor/instructor: The course is personal, so no one else will be in the classes. You will get four classes (one per week), which last around an hour to an hour and a half. The classes are online with a live video of me, live audio, Powerpoint presentation, etc. You have the ability to ask questions via chat. You do not need any special software or equipment, you will not be on video or audio...but you will need high-speed internet. You will be able to choose four classes from roughly 40 I have on file. Dates, times, and other details can be worked out with your own time table.

We will be doing 100 hardcovers, individually numbered. They will be cloth-on-board with dustjackets, very collectible and sharp. Currently, we have made 55 of these available to the Kickstarter Campaign, but may allow a few more copies to be reserved in advance.

Two essays have appeared as blog articles from contributors: Neil Gaiman's "Where Do You Get Your Ideas?" and Orson Scott Card's "On Rhetoric and Style". All other essays and interviews are original content specifically for this project.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

4th Star Level-Limited hardcover edition of “Writers’ Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy”, cover art poster, ePub/Mobi version, and your name included on the honor page of the book! ( You can choose to remain anonymous as well)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

5th Star Level-Limited hardcover edition of “Writers’ Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy”, cover art poster, ePub/Mobi version, your name included on the honor page of the book (or you can remain anonymous if you choose), and enrollment in a personal four-week writing course by Stoker award-winning editor Michael Knost

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

6th Star Level-Limited hardcover version of “Writers’ Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy”, cover art poster, ePub/Mobi version, your name included on the honor page of the book (you can remain anonymous if you choose), and one submission package critique (query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters of manuscript) by Stoker award-winning editor Michael Knost or Philip K. Dick award-winning editor Jackie Gamber

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

7th Star Level-Limited hardcover version of “Writers’ Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy”, cover art poster, ePub/Mobi version, your name included on the honor page of the book (you can remain anonymous if you choose), enrollment in a personal four-week writing course by Stoker award-winning editor Michael Knost, and one submission package critique (query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters of manuscript) by Stoker award-winning editor Michael Knost or Philip K. Dick award-winning editor Jackie Gamber. PLUS a BookTasting basket by Jackie Gamber (you choose the book; yours, or another author’s). The basket includes the novel, a specially selected tea to sip while reading, brewing tools, and treats! For more information on BookTasting, see www.book-tasting.com.